Preserving mental health amid a lockdown

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In Dr. Curtis Cripe's mind, there is very little doubt that the past eight months have been the most difficult period in modern times. On top of the pandemic, there have been protests, economic instability, and countless adjustments that people have had to deal with, such as living through lockdown. And this hasn't only been true in the U.S.; people all over the world have had to live through similar conditions.

As a public service, Dr. Curtis Cripe shares some ways people can preserve their mental health through these trying times.

Unplug once in a while.

Perhaps, the lion's share of anxiety and stress for many people can be found online or in the news. The endless headlines and videos of people everywhere having to deal with suffering and grief can take its toll, especially on people who already have mental health issues to begin with. Unplugging once in a while from the internet is a good idea, Dr. Curtis Cripe notes.

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Discuss fun stuff.

Dr. Curtis Cripe suggests that instead of obsessing over the news on COVID-19 or any social unrest, people can talk with their family anything that do not elicit stress, such as sports or pop culture. Doing this promotes levity and lowers down levels of anxiety and stress, or any other feelings that can worsen mental health.

Curtis Cripe, Ph.D., specializes in the creation of neuroengineering programs that diagnose and treat various neurological disorders. Visit this blog for similar reads.

What is it like to have a panic attack?

There are a lot of medical conditions people cannot understand nor comprehend simply because they lack first-hand experience. One such condition is a panic attack. Much like choking or drowning, panic attacks are real dangers to one’s health. And, for the most part, people who don’t know what goes on in the body and the mind of a person having a panic attack may not know how to respond to the emergency. According Behavioral Medicine expert, Curtis Cripe, knowing the symptoms can help people make better decisions when handling such situations.

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Panic attacks can be terrifying, especially if it’s your first time to experience it. There are several symptoms of one, which include shortness of breath, a choking sensation in the throat, chest pains, nausea, heart palpitations, numbness or tingling in several body parts, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Apart from physical symptoms, people suffering from panic attacks may also experience neurological abnormalities such as fear of losing their mind or an overwhelming fear of dying.

There are many reasons why people experience panic attacks. It could come from external factor such as danger, stress, or even pain. Some people have panic attacks because of anxiety disorders. Another main cause of a panic attack is an imbalance within the body. A person is susceptible to it when they are not functioning at their optimum level. This is why well-being can also trigger the condition.

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There are a lot of cases of people who are under stress due to health reasons or financial reasons. The triggers vary from person to person. Sometimes hearing a particular song or remembering an ugly memory could trigger a panic attack. Curtis Cripe states that people who take care of their health and have a firm grip on their lives will have less chances of experiencing panic attacks.

Dr. Curtis Cripe is the head of research and development at the NTL Group, which specializes in the development of brain-based technology for healing and repairing neurological dysfunctions. For more information about his works, view Dr. Cripe’s profilehere.

When does anxiety become a medical concern?

Anxiety is defined as a heightened feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease regarding events that have passed or have yet to come. Although most people experience anxiety, there are those whose anxiety require medical attention. Anxiety can sometimes manifest themselves physically in the form of headache, sweating, palpitations, tightness in the chest region, and an upset stomach. According to neuroengineering expert Dr. Curtis Cripe, certain levels of anxiety are medical concerns requiring medication and therapy to manage. Here are some major types of medical anxiety disorders.

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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) GAD is described as chronic anxiety heightened by worry and tension. GAD can be triggered even without the presence of outside stimulus. Like most anxiety disorders, this condition can affect a person’s lifestyle in terms of social activity, work, and personal health.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) This unique anxiety disorder is described as having recurring unwanted thoughts or behavior. According to Dr. Curtis Cripe, people suffering from OCD with behavioral compulsions tend to have repetitive ticks such as washing their hands, counting objects, checking and re-checking the status of the room, or performing small rituals before they can go about an activity.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) This unique anxiety disorder only occurs after a person is subjected to a terrifying ordeal or event such as surviving an accident or having their lives seriously threatened. This disorder is common among war veterans as well as people who were harmed repeatedly over a period of time.

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Social Anxiety Disorder Lastly, social anxiety disorder occurs when a person has crippling levels of anxiety and self-consciousness which occur in regular social interactions. This can manifest itself in different ways like fear of speaking or being spoken to. Dr. Curtis Cripe Ph.D., is the head of research and development at the NTL Group. The group specializes in neuroengineering programs aimed at the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. connected to head injury, depression, anxiety, memory disorders, and learning disorders. To know more about Dr. Cripe, click on this link.